We are committed to doing what’s right to enact permanent, lasting change for a more compassionate world.
This year alone we have witnessed the shocking murders of George Floyd, Tony McDade, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery at the hands of racial injustice. Time and time again, we have seen too many incidents like this, and it is impossible to see and read these things without feeling a sense of shock, anger, and grief.
At World Animal Protection, we strive to create a world where animals live free from suffering. We work across 50 countries in 14 different offices to move the world to protect animals. But to achieve this impact, we know that the work we do is only accomplished through the efforts of all people.
That starts with the recognition that Black and Brown communities have been disproportionately affected by systemic racism, oppression, incarceration, and police brutality. It also starts with acknowledging the longstanding history of racism in this country by reflecting on how some have benefited from a system that is designed to fail others.
To build a stronger movement for animals, we must also build a better world for people. We must stand against racism and work alongside those who have been marginalized. We must listen and work to ensure their voices are heard, both in our movement and in society collectively. We must create paths for all to become decision-makers and leaders in our workplace and society.
We are committed to doing what’s right to enact permanent, lasting change for a more compassionate world. We are starting internally at World Animal Protection and critically asking: What do we need to learn and unlearn? How can we be better allies to those who have been oppressed? What can we do to make our workplace feel safe? How can we live the values we’ve embraced without first adding and practicing inclusivity and diversity?
We will also amplify the voices of the Black community and listen in order to become better allies in hopes of ending racial injustice. We know that this is an active process. We are still learning, and we don’t have all the answers, but we do have a platform. And we can use our platform to enact change.
Today, and this day forward, we are with you in building a more compassionate world.
“To build a stronger movement for animals, we must also build a better world for people. We must stand against racism and work alongside those who have been marginalized.